News

'Little Shop of Horrors' opens Friday

By Bill Moss, Published: October 3, 2017

One of the longest running Off Broadway hits of all time makes its Flat Rock Playhouse debut when "Little Shop of Horrors" opens on Friday night.

The show is a rock musical and horror comedy that follows the story of down-and-out florist Seymour, who discovers a magical, bloodthirsty plant, that he names after his unrequited love, Audrey. At first, Seymour is frightened by the murderous desires of the plant, but perhaps he can find something good within the bad. Little Shop of Horrors features of a score of musical theater hits like, “Suddenly Seymour,” “Skid Row (Downtown),” and “Somewhere That’s Green.”

Based on Roger Corman’s 1960 horror film, the musical was written by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol, Newsies) and Howard Ashman (The Little Mermaid and Aladdin). Little Shop of Horrors had a notable premiere Off-Off-Broadway in 1982 followed by a successful Off-Broadway five-year run. In the past 35 years, Little Shop of Horrors has had a film adaptation, been nominated for Drama Desk and Tony awards and has become a staple for regional theaters everywhere.

Jeremiah James stars as the love-struck Seymour with Flat Rock Playhouse’s own Resident Lighting Designer CJ Barnwell voicing the infamous bloodthirsty plant. Sharing the stage with James and Barnwell is returning Flat Rock Playhouse favorite, Ryah Nixon, from last year’s "Million Dollar Quartet" and "9 to 5: The Musical," who will be performing the role of Audrey.

WTZQ listeners can put a face with a voice when they see radio host Mark Warwick as the dentist, Orin Scrivello. The show also features Preston Dyar, Dorian McCorey, Gia Asperas, Khadijiah Rolle and Christopher D. Kirby.

Little Shop of Horrors will be directed by Dave Hart with Christopher D. Kirby serving as Choreographer and Ethan Andersenserving as Music Director. Joining Hart on the production team are Chris Mueller, CJ Barnwell, LeeAnn Deaver and Kurt Conway as the Scenic, Light, Costume and Sound designers respectively. Bill Muñoz will be Stage Manager with Lindsey A. Mossas Assistant Stage Manager. Paul Feraldi is Props Master.

The show runs through Oct. 21 at the Flat Rock Playhouse Clyde and Nina Allen Mainstage. Tickets are $15 to $50 and can be purchased by calling the Playhouse box office at 828-693-0731, toll-free at 866-732-8008 or online at www.flatrockplayhouse.org.